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'I'm ashamed of what I've done': Tex Walker unsure of playing future after racism ban

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26th August, 2021
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Adelaide Crows star Taylor Walker has fronted the media for the first time since he received a six-week ban over a racist slur towards Robbie Young in a SANFL game.

Walker released a video soon after the incident in which he appeared alongside Young and apologised but he didn’t face the media and received criticism for the move.

“Robbie expressed his wish to educate me and that’s basically how the video came about,” Walker said.

Today he copped a number of hard questions as the media grilled the former Adelaide captain who said he wasn’t allowed to answer some due to confidentiality in the conciliation process.

He admits that he’s not sure when or if he’ll play AFL again.

“At the moment, playing is not my priority. Repairing relationships with the people I’ve hurt is my main priority,” Walker said.

Walker said he will take the advice of his past and present indigenous teammates and will spend some time in their country to learn about first nations culture and traditions.

“I need to get a better understanding of the pain and hurt I’ve caused,” he said.

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In particular, he seemed deeply troubled about his fractured relationship with former teammate Eddie Betts.

“I’ve hurt him, his family and the rest of the Indigenous community, so I have to fix that. I’m ashamed that what I’ve done has caused so much pain.”

“Please judge me on what I do from here on in.”

“That’s been the hardest thing, how I’ve let my family down. I hope I’m not remembered for one remark and the people that know me understand the person I am.”

The 31-year-old admitted he was in denial that he even made the racist comment at first.

“I panicked and I was scared but then I thought I’m coming forward to own this and I want to get better for it.”

Walker said he wants to attend the Crows’ best and fairest awards night on Saturday when the Malcolm Blight medallist will be unveiled but said it’s up to the club to determine if he’s allowed to.

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